Tyler ISD and the East Texas State Fair partnered to bring the excitement of rodeo and the importance of agriculture education directly to students through rodeo slack and Rodeo Roundup Day.
Through this partnership, Tyler ISD elementary students attended rodeo slack, daytime competition rounds where rodeo athletes compete in events outside the main rodeo performance. This in-person experience gave students an up-close look at rodeo events, athletes, and the agricultural traditions that are an important part of East Texas.
The fun continued beyond the rodeo arena during Rodeo Roundup Day, where rodeo athletes visited Tyler ISD elementary schools. Students met the athletes, heard about their experiences, and learned about the skills, dedication and careers connected to rodeo and agriculture.
The partnership supports Tyler ISD’s Next is Now initiative by connecting memorable student experiences with learning that continues in the classroom throughout the school year.
“Community partners like the East Texas State Fair support the deep work of Tyler ISD’s Next is Now initiative to not just give kids unique experiences like slack, agriculture tours and meeting rodeo athletes, but to extend those experiences throughout the year through curricular connections,” said Dr. Bobby Markle, Executive Director of 1882 Partnerships.
Through experiences like rodeo slack and Rodeo Roundup Day, students can see firsthand that agriculture reaches far beyond the farm or rodeo arena. The partnership introduces students to the many ways agriculture connects with science, technology, engineering and other industries while helping them better understand the role agriculture plays in the East Texas community.
By bringing together education, agriculture and community partners, Tyler ISD and the East Texas State Fair are creating opportunities for students to explore new interests, make real-world connections to what they are learning in school and begin thinking about future career possibilities.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.